Blue-green algae bloom discovered at Clear Lake east of Stavely

Health authorities are warning people in southern Alberta that a blue-green algae bloom has been found at Clear Lake, east of Stavely, Alta.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued an advisory for the area on Tuesday and said residents and visitors to the area should avoid all contact with algae blooms. This includes swimming and wading in areas where the blooms are visible.

Blue-green algae occurs naturally and can resemble scum, grass clippings or a fuzz on the surface of the water. It can look blue-green, greenish-brown, brown and/ or pinkish-red and may smell musty or grassy.

Anyone who comes in contact with visible blue-green algae blooms may experience skin irritation, a rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, a fever, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and last one to two days.

AHS said the lake can still be used when the blue-green algae blooms are not visible.